Young Sessions: Music as Medicine

How does music become medicine? This second Young Sessions episode from Inspiring Voices goes deep into creativity's healing power - and you'll hear it directly from the artists using music to transform their lives. Following on from "Finding Your Flow," this episode explores what happens when safe creative spaces meet real emotional processing. Discover how young people use everything from diss tracks to spoken word poetry to heal from trauma, process difficult experiences, and find their authentic voices. Inspiring Voices is the podcast of the Sing Up Foundation, exploring how singing and vocal work support children and young people's mental health and wellbeing. The Sing Up Foundation believes in the power of singing to improve health and wellbeing - so listen in and be inspired! 🎤 Episode Highlights: • Continued insights from Lewisham Music's Afiya Lucombe-Davis on supporting young people through creative expression • Intimate conversations with Mimi Monroe about using rap to process breakups and build confidence • H-Jay's powerful spoken word performance "Mirrors on Windows" about finding purpose through pain • Honest discussions about music therapy's benefits and limitations • Practical advice on developing authentic voice through diverse musical influences • Behind-the-scenes look at how facilitators support emotional expression without becoming therapists 👥 Featured Voices: • Afiya Lucombe-Davis (Community Programme Producer, Lewisham Music) • Toni-Ann Gurdon (Performance poet and host) • Mimi Monroe (Rapper) - Find on social: @MimiMxnroe, Youtube:    / mimi mxnroe - topic   • H-Jay (Rapper/Spoken Word Artist) - Instagram: @therealhjay 🔥 Why This Matters: While traditional therapy can have long waiting lists and barriers, music offers immediate, accessible healing that young people can control. But as these artists reveal, it's not a magic solution - it's one powerful tool in a broader toolkit for wellbeing. ⏰ Perfect for: Mental health professionals, music therapists, youth workers, educators, parents, and anyone interested in creative approaches to healing and emotional processing. 00:00 Introduction 02:13 Challenges and opportunties in working with young people with trauma 03:45 Talking about the support available for facilitators 05:45 Changes in the young people - building confidence 06:34 Introduction to Young Sessions and ‪@MimiMxnroe18‬ and H-Jay 07:53 What music uplifts your mood? 09:15 Background and inspiration 11:20 Exploring H-Jay's and Mimi's journeys 15:15 Advice to young people 18:00 What music inspires you? 20:30 How can young people use their voices for wellbeing and self-discovery? 24:40 Respecting your artistry and valuing your voice 26:30 What's a misconception about music as therapy? 29:00 H-Jay's powerful performance of his piece 'Mirrors and Windows' Part of our Young Sessions series - where young voices lead conversations about music, creativity, and wellbeing. Subscribe for more Inspiring Voices episodes exploring the intersection of music and mental health.